Old Dominion takes fast track to success

Riding the momentum of its first bowl victory in program history, Old Dominion brings Conference USA's strongest rushing attack to the table in 2017.

Old Dominion (10-3, 7-1) shook off a 5-7 2015 campaign — its first losing season since the program was reinstated in 2009 — to double its win total. Winners of their final six games, the Monarchs topped Eastern Michigan 24-20 in the Bahamas Bowl. In the process, ODU became the youngest program to achieve a double digits win total since the NCAA established Division I in 1978.

Coach Bobby Wilder, who has directed the Monarchs to a 67-30 record as their only coach of the modern era, returns for his ninth season in Norfolk.

Offensively, the Monarchs ranked fourth in scoring (35.1 points per game), first in rushing (196.8 yards per game), sixth in passing (234 ypg) and fifth in total yardage (430.8 ypg).

Sophomores Blake LaRussa and Jordan Hoy and redshirt freshman Drayton Arnold are in the running to succeed Washington. LaRussa completed 14-of-24 passes for 140 yards in limited duty, while Hoy joins the Monarchs as a transfer from Fullerton (Calif.) Community College.

Despite the absence of Pascal (65 receptions, 946, 9 TDs), the Monarchs boast a deep and experienced group of wide receivers, led by senior Jonathan Duhart (48-735-9) and juniors Travis Fulgham (29-478-8) and Isaiah Harper (14-174-1), along with senior tight end Melvin Vaughn (22-233-1).

Junior center Nick Clarke and sophomore right guard Devin Hannan started all 13 games while helping the Monarchs set a single-season school record with 2,595 rushing yards. Additionally, ODU's 19 sacks allowed ranked second-best in the conference. Chad Hendricks shifts to right tackle after starting the final 10 games on the left side.

Six full-time starters are back from a defense which ranked second in C-USA in scoring (27.2 ppg), fifth in rushing (157.2 ypg), fourth in passing (226.5 ypg) and third in total yardage (383.6 ypg).

Old Dominion will rely on its deep defensive line and secondary to cover a thin and inexperienced crop of linebackers.